Actos Lawsuits

Actos lawsuits filed against Takeda Pharmaceuticals continue to rise in result of the manufacturer not properly warning the public about the risk of bladder cancer from the use of Actos. There are some that believe that Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, the co-marketer of the drug, is also responsible for not stating the risk of the drug on the label. In the August 5, 2011 edition of the Washington Post, it indicates that thousands of lawsuits were filed since early August, all alleging that Actos caused the development of bladder cancer in patients. The drug has also been linked to the risk of cardiovascular complications and liver disease, which all stemmed from the extended use of Actos.

Actos FDA Warnings

The FDA issued a warning in June 2011, after a five-year study of Actos that was initiated by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, which identified an increase threat of bladder cancer amongst long-term users of the drug Actos. Patients that have or have been diagnosed with bladder cancer were urged not to use Actos.

The FDA did require the makers of Actos and a similar drug, Avandia, to place a "black box" alert on the product label in June 2007. This specific warning was initiated immediately after a study that was implemented by the Cleveland Clinic, which found Actos and Avandia did increase the threat of a heart attack by 42 percent, along with liver inflammation, liver failure, hepatitis, and highly elevated liver enzymes.

The drug label was changed in July 2004 that listed "Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility" as precautions.

In 2002, the product label did include the following warning regarding the risk of Actos and it's side effects: "In various implemented insulin mixture cases, a small percentage of patients that reported already having cardiac complications did develop the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF), when treated with ACTOS in combination with insulin." Actos is a drug that is often utilized to treat type 2 diabetes, along with insulin.

Actos and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Actos (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride) is a distinct member of drugs called Thiazolidinediones, which have been attributed to liver and cardiovascular difficulties. Some side effects of Actos that have been reported include the threat of congestive heart failure (CHF), with the increased risk of uncommon liver complications, and the elevated risk of bladder cancer. The link between Actos and congestive heart failure (CHF) was so strong that in 2007 the FDA did escalate warnings concerning the drug.

Actos Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The FDA has announced a safety concern with Actos attributing to Rhabdomyolysis. This safety concern has not yet established that there is a causal link among the two, but that the drug is associated with documented threats. The FDA is continuing to evaluate this situation to determine if the action of regulation is necessary regarding Actos and Rhabdomyolysis.

Rhabdomyolysis is defined as a uncommon disease that causes muscle fibers to deteriorate, resulting with myoglobin that is released in the blood stream. It has been reported that Rhabdomyolysis does cause muscle pains, aches and weakness. Studies have shown that Rhabdomyolysis does lead to kidney failure. Some additional symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis consist of fever, fatigue, and nausea. Sometimes these symptoms may be confused with other conditions.

Compensation for Actos Side Effects

Victims of the side effects of Actos can file a injury claim to seek compensation for damages, to assist with the high cost of their medical bills, lost of income, and pain and suffering. The ongoing treatment of bladder cancer and heart and liver illnesses can demand extensive medical care, which in turn can interfere with a person's social life and career.

If the victim dies before a determination is reached by the injury claim, the victim's family can continue with the case by filing a survivor claim. Furthermore, the family can also file a wrongful death lawsuit to be compensated for lost monetary support, incurred funeral expenses, and emotional stress.

On July 11, 2011, both Germany and France announced the suspended sales of Actos due to bladder cancer concerns, along with another diabetes drug made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals called Competact, which a study also revealed an increased risk for bladder cancer among patients who were taking the drug long-term.